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Does Every babies Have Teeth When They're Born?

Haw Babies are Born with Teeth



Babies born with teeth sounds like something straight out of a horror movie, but it’s actually very common, particularly in certain species of mammals, including humans. 

Known as neonatal natal teeth or natal teeth, they’re the first set of teeth to emerge in the mouth of a newborn baby. They usually grow within the first month of life and are present until six months old, when permanent teeth erupt to replace them in most cases.

baby born with teeth


Why Are Some Babies Born With Teeth?

While you’ve probably heard that babies are born with teeth, a dental myth is circulating that states their first teeth start coming in when they’re still in utero. 

This simply isn’t true—all babies are born without any teeth (except for 1-2 bottom pearls), and their adult set of teeth starts coming in about 6 months after birth. So why do some babies come out with chompers? 

It all comes down to genetics. Certain races have a higher incidence of teeth coming in early: Asian and Native American babies are more likely to be born with baby teeth than Caucasian or African American children.

 It has nothing to do with whether or not mom had good prenatal care, either; most pregnancies go just fine, even if there’s no prenatal care at all. Most of these babies also won’t develop crooked teeth, since it takes several years for permanent teeth to settle into place. 

If you notice your child walking around with unruly molars poking out from their gums, though, don’t panic! Consult your pediatrician immediately so they can help you get those little canines back where they belong before things get dangerous.


Does Every Baby Have Teeth When They're Born?

No, not every baby has teeth at birth. When a child is born, it depends on a few factors as to whether or not they’ll have teeth when they’re born.

  •  The first factor is age: babies tend to get their first tooth around 6 months of age, but even that can vary from child to child. 
  • The second factor is genetics: sometimes babies come out with a full set of adult teeth; other times, there isn't even so much as one tooth in sight!
  •  Genetics also play a part in how many teeth babies may come out with, if any: some parents could go through life without ever seeing even a single one appear—while others might be pulling wisdom teeth long before their children hit adulthood.

 For most of us, though? We’ll see our first pearly whites emerge between 5 and 7 months old (give or take)—usually somewhere between 4 and 6 weeks after our very first birthday.


What Happens If a Baby Is Born With Teeth?

A baby is born with teeth is quite a rare occurrence, but it does happen. Usually, babies start to grow their first tooth when they’re between 6 and 12 months old, and they usually don’t come in until they’re around 2 years old. 

However, some babies have been known to have teeth before they’ve even been born or may grow their first teeth in their little bellies if a tooth was damaged or removed by a dentist during pregnancy.

 If your child has teeth at birth, you can expect that they will be able to chew soft foods once those teeth emerge from beneath their gums. It’s also common for these baby teeth to fall out on their own within just a few years as permanent adult teeth begin to take over.

If you notice something strange about your child’s mouth—or any other part of his body—seek medical attention as soon as possible.


Why Do Kids Lose Their Baby Teeth So Early?

Young children lose their baby teeth when their adult teeth start to emerge. 

This typically happens between ages 6 and 10 for primary (or baby) teeth, and ages 12 to 14 for permanent teeth. Just as adult dental health is important, so is that of your child’s primary teeth. 

The most common causes of tooth loss in children include traumatic injury; oral habits like thumb-sucking; medical conditions such as cleft palate; hormonal changes; and heredity factors. 

Don’t wait until there is a problem! Be proactive about your child’s oral hygiene from day one to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles.


What Are the Names for Baby's First Tooth?

Most babies have 20 primary teeth, but it’s fairly common for a few to appear earlier than that. The names of these first teeth can vary from region to region and even family to family. 

Most commonly, they’re called baby teeth, milk teeth, or deciduous teeth (meaning they fall out). Some parents will also refer to them as temporary molars or deciduous premolars.

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